The Indiana Hoosiers’ college football national championship under Curt Cignetti sparks a warning: skyrocketing NIL spending is putting college football on a collision course with collapse. Can programs like Ohio State, Texas, and Miami sustain $40–50 million rosters, or will the financial bubble burst sooner than expected?
Craig Shemon breaks down Cignetti’s blueprint—building a title team for just $15-$20 million by prioritizing experienced transfers over five-star recruits—and asks whether mid-level schools can keep up. Key topics include Michigan’s $12 million investment in quarterback Bryce Underwood, projections of $75 million rosters beyond 2027, and how the NCAA’s revenue-sharing plan actually fails to level the playing field. Plus, insights on recruiting wars, program sustainability, and the future of college football’s arms race. Tune into Locked on Big Ten as we are your number one brand for all things Big Ten football!
Did Curt Cignetti really build Indiana’s national championship team on a $15M-$20M NIL budget?
How can schools like Ohio State, Texas, and Miami afford $50 million football rosters?
Is Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood actually getting paid $12 million in NIL?
Will college football rosters really cost $75 million after 2027?
Why is the NCAA revenue-sharing plan failing to create competitive balance?
Score latest deals on team merch here from Fanatics and college team gifts from Amazon!
Can’t watch the video? Subscribe & listen to the audio version here so you don’t miss an episode!
🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-big-10/
#collegefootball #NIL #CurtCignetti #bigten #bigtenfootball #easports #collegefootball27
Photo credit: Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
